Failing West Bank Primary School set to become an Academy with Wade Deacon High School

THE future of failing West Bank Primary School is set to be secured in a unique partnership with ‘outstanding’ Wade Deacon High School.

Education chiefs striving to raise standards at the school branded ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted inspectors are proposing it becomes an Academy, sponsored by the Innovation Enterprise Academy Multi Academy Trust.

Wade Deacon in Birchfield Road is the trust’s lead school.

Education Secretary Michael Gove has issued an Academy Order proposing the school becomes an Academy, which means it would be independent of the local authority, Halton Council.

Speaking exclusively to the World, Dr Harry Ziman, chairman of the newly appointed Interim Executive Board (IEB) said: “This will secure the long term sustainable leadership of West Bank School.

“There will be a lot more opportunity to exchange staff and students and raise aspirations significantly.

“This is a very clear statement that things are going to be different but it will ensure continuity.”

Pam Wright, executive principal of Wade Deacon and the Innovation Academy, is also a member of West Bank’s IEB.

Dr Ziman has written to parents informing them of the proposals and reassuring them that this is the best way forward.

He added: “We will be able to deepen our partnership with Wade Deacon before the proposed conversion takes place.

“Staff employed at West Bank will transfer to the new academy which will ensure there will be no disruption to teaching and learning.

“I need to stress that this is a proposal and final decisions have not yet been taken.

“There will be extensive consultation during which parents, the community, children and staff will be given much more information and have an opportunity to ask questions and express views.”

Palacefields Primary School and Cavendish High School in Runcorn have already become academies. The Park Primary School in Castlefields is set to become part of The Health Multi Academy Trust.